Device for providing a rigid structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) having at least one spreading band (2), at least one wrap-around element (3) and at least one structural element (7), wherein the at least one wrap-around element (3) is arranged on the at least one spreading band (2) and / or is formed by the at least one spreading band (2), wherein the at least one spreading band (2) has a substantially rectangular cross section in a first operating position and a substantially arcuate cross section in a second operating position, wherein the at least one spreading band (2) engages around the at least one structural element (7) at least in regions by means of the at least one wrap-around element (3) in the second operating position and is thus connected to the at least one structural element (7), and wherein the at least one spreading band (2) is released from the at least one structural element (7) in the first operating position.

Description

[0001] Device for providing a rigid structure

[0002] The present invention relates to a device with at least one spreading band, at least one encompassing element and at least one structural element, wherein the at least one encompassing element is arranged on the at least one spreading band and / or is formed by the at least one spreading band, wherein the at least one spreading band has a substantially rectangular cross-section in a first operating position and a substantially arcuate cross-section in a second operating position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a transfer device for transferring such a device from a first operating position into a second operating position.

[0003] A spreader band, also called a spring band, is basically a body which extends in a longitudinal direction and is curved in the longitudinal direction. In other words, a spreader band has a crown or curvature transverse to the longitudinal direction. In a first operating position, for example when such a spreader band is wound up, it takes on a substantially rectangular cross-section. In a first operating position, there is therefore essentially no more crowning, crowning or cross-sectional curvature. In a second operating position, the spreader band automatically assumes the profile-curved, curved or domed position, in particular through internal tension, whereby the spreader band is automatically stiffened.

[0004] For the purposes of this application, however, the term "spreader band" also encompasses bands which, in a resting position, have a rectangular cross-section and are only curved by external influences. Such spreader bands could also be referred to as flat bands.

[0005] Spreader bars are well known in the art and are widely used in practice. For example, DE 10 2005 042 832 discloses a roller blind with two spreader bars that are rolled onto and unrolled from a roller blind shaft. As the two spreader bars are unrolled from the roller blind shaft, they are moved from a first to a second operating position, thereby stiffening the spreader bars and thus forming a rigid structure. The spreader bars are arranged in a common casing.

[0006] These designs have limited stiffness in relation to the application length, are only suitable to a limited extent for linear pushing and pulling movements and are also difficult to manufacture.

[0007] Furthermore, such a device has only limited application possibilities, since the spreader bands must be arranged in a common casing. Furthermore, the device disclosed in this document is not sufficiently scalable.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device which is improved compared to the prior art and which at least partially avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.

[0010] According to the invention, in a device as mentioned above, it is therefore provided that the at least one spreading band encompasses the at least one structural element in the second operating position by means of the at least one encompassing element at least in some areas and is thus connected to the structural element, and that the at least one spreading band is detached from the structural element in the first operating position.

[0011] This embodiment of the invention is based on the finding that the longitudinal outer edges of the expansion bands, during the transition from the first to the second operating position, for example, during unwinding, rolling, or deflecting, perform a pincer-like or spreading movement essentially transverse to their longitudinal direction in a continuous transition from the rectangular to the arcuate cross-section. This property of the expansion bands can be used to encompass a structural element.

[0012] Accordingly, the at least one gripping element performs a pincer or spreading movement. Thus, the spreading band with the at least one gripping element can be rolled over the structural element, so that the at least one gripping element grips the structural element.

[0013] This also makes it easy to create a rigid structure by connecting the spreader band and the structural element.

[0014] It can also be provided that the at least one encompassing element is deformable by transferring the first spreading band from the first operating position into the second operating position.

[0015] At least one gripping element follows the pincer or spreading movement.

[0016] A device according to the invention is suitable for a wide variety of applications. Examples include use as a drive rod for various gates (garage gates, entrance gates) or for roller blinds, Venetian blinds, awnings, or the like.

[0017] Furthermore, protection is also sought for a transfer device for transferring such a device from a first operating position to a second operating position.

[0018] According to the invention, such a transfer device comprises a guide device which can be applied at least in some areas to at least one spreading belt, wherein the at least one spreading belt can be transferred from the first operating position into the second operating position when the guide device passes over and / or through the guide device, and a drive device for moving the device relative to the guide device.

[0019] The transfer device allows the device to be easily transferred from the first operating position to the second operating position, and vice versa. Furthermore, the device can be deployed or extended using the transfer device.

[0020] Further preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0021] It can be provided that the at least one encompassing element has at least one undercut, wherein the encompassing element encompasses the at least one structural element in the second operating position with the at least one undercut at least in regions.

[0022] The undercut can be used to ensure that the

[0023] The structural element is encompassed by the encompassing element in the second operating position, but can be easily released from the encompassing element in the first operating position.

[0024] It can also be provided that the at least one encompassing element is designed to be elastic at least in some areas.

[0025] This is advantageous if the encircling element has to be deformed when transferring the spreader belt from the first to the second operating position, for example because it is arranged on another spreader belt which is also curved.

[0026] Recesses can also be provided on the gripping element, which improves its elasticity. This is particularly advantageous because it allows the gripping element to better follow the clamping or spreading movement.

[0027] This recess can also be used to attach the encompassing element to a spreader band, for example by gluing, welding or other fixing methods.

[0028] It is also possible for the encircling elements to be pushed onto a spreader band or to be secured by snapping them in place. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the encircling elements to be sprayed onto a spreader band (e.g., by injection molding), glued on, or formed integrally with the spreader band.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one encompassing element has at least a portion of a drive toothing for engagement with at least one drive means, preferably a gear, of a drive device. The encompassing element can thus have multiple functions. On the one hand, it can encompass the structural element in the second operating position, and on the other hand, the spreading band and / or the structural element can be moved via the encompassing element.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the structural element is a spreading band.

[0031] In a further development of the previous embodiment, at least two encompassing elements can be provided, wherein one of the at least two encompassing elements is arranged on the at least one structural element and encompasses at least one spreading band in the second operating position, at least in part.

[0032] This allows a better connection between the spreader bands and therefore a more stable device to be achieved.

[0033] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the at least two spreading bands are movable relative to one another, preferably in a longitudinal direction of the at least two spreading bands.

[0034] Such relative mobility is preferably only minimal, in particular only to the extent that the two spreader bands can be deflected together, for example in a 90° arc.

[0035] It is also possible in certain areas of the device, for example by increasing the distance between gripping elements (if several gripping elements are provided) or by using different dimensions and shapes of the gripping elements, to promote buckling behaviour by making it easier to compress the bands or bend them over one of the long outer edges.

[0036] Advantageously, it can also be provided that the at least two encompassing elements are arranged adjacent to one another, preferably wherein the at least two encompassing elements form a toothing with one another.

[0037] It can also be provided that the at least one enclosing element, which is arranged on one of the at least two spreading bands, only partially encloses the other of the at least two spreading bands or does not enclose it, but is only interlocked with the at least one other enclosing element.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one structural element is a toothed belt, preferably wherein the at least one encompassing element laterally encompasses the toothed belt in the second operating position.

[0039] The encircling element, in conjunction with the at least one spreader band, can thus stiffen the timing belt and thus form a rigid structure. In particular, if the encircling element is laterally positioned around the timing belt, a rod-shaped, rigid structure can be provided.

[0040] Advantageously, the at least one encompassing element can encompass at least one tooth of the toothed belt in the second operating position.

[0041] This ensures a better hold of the gripping element on the timing belt. Additionally, at least one tooth of the timing belt can be provided with a groove into which the gripping element can engage.

[0042] The toothing of the timing belt can also represent a drive toothing.

[0043] It can further be provided that the device has at least one stabilizing element, wherein the stabilizing element is arranged at least in the second operating position between the at least one spreading band and the at least one structural element.

[0044] The stabilizing element can be used to further stiffen the device and also accommodate larger loads.

[0045] The at least one stabilizing element can be

[0046] Toothed belt or as a spreader belt.

[0047] Advantageously, it can be provided that the at least one encompassing element has at least one toothing corresponding to a toothing of a toothed belt, wherein the encompassing element is in engagement with the at least one stabilizing element designed as a toothed belt via the at least one toothing at least in the second operating position.

[0048] To increase the rigidity of the device, a multi-layer arrangement of spreading belts can be provided, which can preferably also be a combination of flat, spreading and toothed belts.

[0049] It can also be provided that at least one

[0050] Spreading band on an outer or inner surface a structure is arranged, for example for the purpose of propulsion, to increase stiffness or for optical effects.

[0051] A dispensing element may also be provided, which is arranged at one end of the device and which holds at least one spreading belt at that end, preferably permanently, in the second operating position. This end may also have means useful for connecting the device to external system components.

[0052] The at least one spreading band and the at least one encompassing element can be designed such that a space-saving rolling up of the at least one spreading band and / or the at least one encompassing element is possible.

[0053] In addition, when coiling together, nested spiral guides can be used to compensate for the different bending radii.

[0054] Furthermore, designs using punching and bending technology, extrusion processes and / or overmolding of the expansion bands are possible.

[0055] With regard to a transfer device, it can be provided that the drive device comprises at least one drive means, wherein the drive means is or can be brought into contact with the at least one spreading element and / or at least one encompassing element.

[0056] The device can be moved in a simple manner using a drive means.

[0057] In addition to the drive function, the drive means can also simultaneously deform the spreader belts and guide the device. This is particularly the case if the at least one drive means is designed as a gearwheel, preferably wherein the gearwheel is in engagement with, or can be brought into engagement with, a drive toothing.

[0058] It can also be provided that the guide device has at least two guide elements, wherein the at least two guide elements can be placed on longitudinal outer edges of the spreading belt, preferably wherein the at least two guide elements are designed as rollers.

[0059] In particular, the spreader belt can also be compressed via the guide elements and thus transferred into a second operating position.

[0060] The guide elements can also serve as a guide for the device when moving the device.

[0061] Further details and advantages of preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the description of the figures and the drawing.

[0062] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device,

[0063] Fig. 2a-b different views of a second

[0064] From an example of a device,

[0065] Fig. 3a-c different views of a third

[0066] From example of the device,

[0067] Fig . 4a-b different views of a fourth

[0068] From example of the device,

[0069] Fig . 5a-b different views of a fifth

[0070] From the exemplary embodiment of the device Fig. 6a-b different views of a sixth

[0071] embodiment of the device,

[0072] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the device, and

[0073] Fig. 8a-d different views of an eighth embodiment of the device.

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device 1. The device 1 comprises a spreading belt 2, a structural element 7 designed as a spreading belt, and several encircling elements 3 arranged on the spreading belt 2. The encircling elements 3 encircle the structural element 7. The device 1 is thus in the second operating position.

[0075] In the first operating position, for example, if the two expansion bands were rolled up, the two expansion bands would each have a substantially rectangular cross-section. As a result, the encircling elements 3 would no longer encircle the structural element 7, or would only do so loosely.

[0076] In this embodiment, the encircling elements 3 are designed to be elastic at least in some areas (for example in the middle) so that they can follow a curving movement of the spreading band 2 during the transition from the first operating position to the second operating position.

[0077] Furthermore, the enclosing elements 3 each have a recess 3a, which can serve, on the one hand, to secure the enclosing elements 3 and, on the other hand, to make the enclosing elements 3 more flexible. It can also be seen that the enclosing elements 3 each have two undercuts 4, by means of which the structural element 7 can be encompassed.

[0078] This figure shows that the device 1 can also be deflected, with the connection between the two spreader belts remaining intact at least before and after the bending of the device 1. The loose grip can thus be released when the opposite spreader belt is in the first operating position.

[0079] Figures 2a and 2b show different views of a second embodiment of a device 1. The second embodiment is essentially similar to the first embodiment according to Fig. 1.

[0080] In the second embodiment, additional encircling elements 3 are also provided on the structural element 7. These additional encircling elements 3 only partially encircle the spreader band 2. However, encircling elements 3 can also be provided that completely encircle the spreader band 2.

[0081] The encompassing elements 3 form a toothing so that the connection between the spreading band 2 and the structural element 7 is improved.

[0082] Figures 3a to 3c show different views of a third

[0083] Embodiment of the device 1. The third

[0084] The embodiment is again similar to the second

[0085] Embodiment according to Figures 2a and 2b.

[0086] In addition, the enclosing elements 3 each comprise a portion of a drive toothing 5. Figs. 3b and 3c also show how drive means 10, in the form of gears, of a drive device 9 engage with the drive toothing 5. The device 1 can thus be moved via the drive means 10.

[0087] A drive device 9 may further comprise all necessary means, for example motors, transmissions, controls, etc.

[0088] Figures 4a and 4b show different views of a fourth embodiment of the device 1.

[0089] In this embodiment, the encircling element 3 is formed as part of the expansion band 2. In other words, the encircling element 3 is formed by the expansion band 2. The encircling elements 3 are designed such that they can encompass the longitudinal outer edges of the structural element 7.

[0090] Fig. 4b shows a further development of the embodiment according to Fig. 4a. In this embodiment, however, the spreading band 2 has hook extensions 3b on its longitudinal edges, which extend from one longitudinal edge to an opposite, longitudinal outer edge of the structural element 7 and engage around this.

[0091] Curved expansion bands tend to flatten under load, which negatively impacts the stiffness of the expansion band. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4b, a flattening of the encircling element 3 via the hook extensions 3b leads to a curvature of the structural element 7 designed as an expansion band, thus preventing this negative effect.

[0092] Figures 5a and 5b show different views of a fifth embodiment of the device 1. Here, encompassing elements 3 are again provided, which, similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4b, have hook extensions 4h. In Fig. 5a, the structural element 7 is again designed as a spreading band, while in Fig. 5b, a structural element 7 is shown in the form of a strip.

[0093] Figures 6a and 6b show perspective views of a sixth embodiment of the device 1. In these embodiments, a stabilizing element 8 is provided, which is arranged between the spreading band 2 and the structural element 7 designed as a spreading band.

[0094] The stabilizing element 8 is designed as a toothed belt. The encircling elements 3 each have a portion of a toothing 3d that engages with the toothed belt. This engagement gives the stabilizing element 8 a dual function as a structural element 7.

[0095] More than one stabilizing element 8 can also be provided.

[0096] In Fig. 6b, a flat toothed belt is used as the stabilizing element 8. In addition, the encircling elements 3 comprise parts of a drive toothing 5.

[0097] In the seventh embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the structural element 7 is designed as a toothed belt. In addition, two spreading belts 2 with a plurality of encircling elements 3 are provided.

[0098] The encircling elements 3 encompass the toothed belt laterally, in particular the teeth 7a of the toothed belt are encompassed.

[0099] In this embodiment, additional grooves 6 are provided on the teeth 7a, into which the encircling elements 3 can engage with a projection 3c. Figures 8a to 8d show various views of an eighth embodiment of the device 1.

[0100] In these embodiments, a further spreader band 2a is provided, on which several structural elements 7 are arranged. The structural elements 7 have two hooks 7b. In the second operating position, these hooks 7b can then be encompassed by the encircling elements 3.

[0101] It can be seen that the hooks 7b are arranged in the second operating position between the spreading belt 2 and the further spreading belt 2a.

[0102] In Fig. 8c, not only the hooks 7b of the structural elements 7, but also the structural elements 7 themselves can be encompassed by the encircling elements 3. This provides additional stability.

[0103] Fig. 8d shows a further development of the embodiments according to Figs. 8a to 8c. Both the enclosing elements 3 and the structural elements 7 comprise parts of a drive toothing 5.

[0104] In addition, two stabilizing elements 8 in the form of spreading bands are provided, which are arranged between the encompassing elements 3 and the structural elements 7.

[0105] The stabilizing elements 8 are encompassed by the encompassing elements 3 and the structural elements 7, whereby the stabilizing elements 8 also have a dual function as a structural element 7. The individual aspects of the various embodiments can, in principle, be readily combined with one another as desired. In all embodiments, beads or the like can be provided to increase the rigidity of the spreading bands 2.

[0106] Reference symbol list:

[0107] 1 device

[0108] 2 spread band

[0109] 2a further spreading band

[0110] 3 Enclosing element

[0111] 3a Recess

[0112] 3b Hook attachment

[0113] 3c lead

[0114] 3D gearing

[0115] 4 undercut

[0116] 5 Drive gearing

[0117] 6 grooves

[0118] 7 Structural element

[0119] 7a tooth

[0120] 7b hook

[0121] 8 Stabilizing element

[0122] 9 Drive device

[0123] 10 Propulsion means

[0124] 11 Guide element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) with at least one spreading band (2), at least one encompassing element (3) and at least one structural element (7), wherein the at least one encompassing element (3) is arranged on the at least one spreading band (2) and / or is formed by the at least one spreading band (2), wherein the at least one spreading band (2) has a substantially rectangular cross-section in a first operating position and a substantially arcuate cross-section in a second operating position, characterized in that the at least one spreading band (2) encompasses the at least one structural element (7) in the second operating position by means of the at least one encompassing element (3) at least in regions and is thus connected to the at least one structural element (7), and in that the at least one spreading band (2) is detached from the at least one structural element (7) in the first operating position.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one encompassing element (3) has at least one undercut (4), wherein the encompassing element (3) encompasses the at least one structural element (7) in the second operating position with the at least one undercut (4) at least in regions.

3. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one encompassing element (3) is designed to be elastic at least in some regions.

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one encompassing element (3) comprises at least a part of a drive toothing (5) for engagement of at least one drive means (10), preferably a gear wheel, a drive device (9).

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one structural element (7) is a spreading band.

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, wherein at least two encompassing elements (3) are provided, wherein one of the at least two encompassing elements (3) is arranged on the at least one structural element (7) and encompasses at least one spreading band (2) in the second operating position, at least in regions.

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least two encompassing elements (3) are arranged adjacent to one another, preferably wherein the at least two encompassing elements (3) form a toothing with one another.

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one structural element (7) is a toothed belt, preferably wherein the at least one encompassing element (3) laterally encompasses the toothed belt in the second operating position.

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one encompassing element (3) encompasses at least one tooth (7a) of the toothed belt in the second operating position.

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one further spreading band (2b) is provided, wherein the at least one structural element (7) is arranged on the at least one further spreading band (2b).

11. Device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one structural element (7) has at least one hook (7b) which is encompassed by the at least one encompassing element (3) in the second operating position, preferably wherein the at least one hook (7b) is arranged in the second operating position between the at least one spreading band (2) and the at least one further spreading band (2b).

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device (1) has at least one stabilizing element (8), wherein the stabilizing element (8) is arranged at least in the second operating position between the at least one spreading band (2) and the at least one structural element (7).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one stabilizing element (8) is designed as a toothed belt or as a spreading belt.

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one encompassing element (3) has at least one toothing (3d) corresponding to a toothing of a toothed belt, wherein the encompassing element (3) is in engagement with the at least one stabilizing element (8) designed as a toothed belt via the at least one toothing (3d) at least in the second operating position.

15. Transfer device for transferring a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 from a first operating position into a second operating position, comprising a guide device which can be applied at least in regions to the at least one spreading belt (2), wherein the at least one spreading belt (2) is guided over and / or passed through the guide device by the Guide device can be transferred from the first operating position into the second operating position, and a drive device (9) for moving the device (1) relative to the guide device.

16. Transfer device according to claim 15, wherein the drive device (9) comprises at least one drive means (10), wherein the drive means (10) is or can be brought into contact with the at least one spreading element (2) and / or at least one encompassing element (3).

17. Transfer device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one drive means (10) is designed as a gear wheel and / or as a belt pulley, preferably wherein the gear wheel and / or the belt pulley is or can be brought into engagement with a drive toothing (5).

18. Transfer device according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the guide device has at least two guide elements, wherein the at least two guide elements can be placed on longitudinal outer edges of the spreading belt (2), preferably wherein the at least two guide elements are designed as rollers.

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